A prescription oral medication, Methylin contains the medication methylphenidate hydrochloride. Despite its effectiveness in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, Methylin poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Types of Side Effects

The most common side effects of Methylin are insomnia and nervousness. Other side effects include skin rashes, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, hear palpitations, headaches and drowsiness.

Solution

Many patients who experience insomnia or nervousness as a result of Methylin often benefit from reducing the dosage of the drug and not taking it during the afternoon or evening, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Drug Interactions

Methylin may make the blood pressure medication guanethidine less effective, posing a risk for hypertension. Additionally, Methylin increases your risk of developing side effects from drugs such as the anticoagulant wafarins, anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital, pain medication phenylbutazone, and tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine.

Risks

In both children and adults, stroke, heart attacks and sudden death infrequently occur as a result of drugs containing methylphenidate such as Methylin, warns the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Other risks associated with the drug include high blood pressure, mania, psychosis, aggression, seizures and physical dependence upon the drug.

Considerations

Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors rarely prescribe Methylin for use in pregnant women, and the drug is not approved for use in children under 6 years of age. If you have a history of anxiety, glaucoma, Tourette's syndrome, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, cardiovascular disease, depression, heart attacks or failure, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, mental illness, seizures, stroke, cystic fibrosis or disorders that affect your stomach or bowels, it may not be safe for you to use Methylin due to its side effects, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

U.S. National Library of Medicine Daily Med: METHYLIN (methylphenidate hydrochloride) tablet, chewable

Mayo Clinic: Methylphenidate (Oral Route)